Hi all,

I’m trying to convert a metal standing samurai figure into a mounted figure. My query is on how flexible were the laced armour around the front and back of the legs. Can it be bent along the plates to droop naturally around the saddle?

Rgds Victor

Hi Victor,
Any use?
cheers
Richie

The plates on Japanese armour were made of both iron and tough oxhide - lacquered against the damp and
humid climate - joined together with silk lacing. It was thus flexible to a certain degree. The front of the lower
legs were protected by an iron 'grieve' held in place by crossed lacing rather in the way of western bootlaces and
were therefore inflexible. Hopefully Victor, this might provide some answers until Felix does his stuff and helps
you with the definitive solution.

Mike

Hi Victor,

Yes, the armour plate could be bent but it depends on the casting and the type of armour.

Basically there are two types of Samurai armour. The armour between the 10 to 13 centuries are called O-Yoroi constructed with hon kozane (small individual scales).
https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/uwIi4opQZe6gJA

The new armour developed in the 1500s known as Tosei gusoku made from iron plates (ita mono) instead of individual scales (kozane).
https://www.khanacademy.org/partner...eum/aam-japan-topic/aam-japan/a/samurai-armor

The O-Yoroi are more elaborate, heavy and clumsy to wear. The modern equipment is less cumbersome and give extra protection against firearms.

For the conversion the O-Yoroi plates are difficult to bend to droop over the saddle. Some parts are needed to be cut and resculpt.

Here is the O-Yoroi parts from the mounted Taisho on the left compare to the Taisho foot figure on the right which place over the same saddle.


Bent armour plate by hand for Taisho foot figure.



Here is my Poste Militaire mounted Samurai showing the front and back armour plate over the saddle.




Here is Alexandros Tomoe Gozen front and back armour plate where the leg armour plates are cast as one piece instead of three individual pieces. This will be my future project to convert it into a mounted figure. In order the armour plate to droop over the saddle like the one from Poste Militaire, the center piece need to be cut bend and resculpt to make it look naturally. If yours is cast separately it will be more easier for the conversion.

Hope this will help for your conversion.

Cheers,
Felix

Hi Richie, Nap, Mike and Felix ,
Thx for all yr replies. Exactly what I need!
I can see that this is a fairly well worn path of conversion
I’m converting a 54 mm samurai wearing o Yoroi armour and mounting him on a converted historex horse.
Rgds Victor.

Incidentally, I’m also converting another Scythian standing warrior into
a mtd piece
As most of the figure is a single casting, I have to resculpt the scale
armor around the hips to accommodate a mtd pose. Tedious work!

Do not forget to post pictures of your finished work.I would love to see what you make of this figure.

Oda.

Hi Oda,

I'll do my best.

Rgds Victor